Verbs of political and social activities and events

abdicate: give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations
abet: assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
abide by: act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
abide by: show respect towards
abolish: do away with
abrogate: revoke formally
abstain: refrain from voting
abuse: treat badly
aby: make amends for
accede: take on duties or office
accomplish: to gain with effort
accredit: provide or send (envoys or embassadors) with official credentials
accredit: grant credentials to
ace: succeed at easily
acquit: behave in a certain manner
act: be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
act on: regulate one's behavior in accordance with certain information, ideas, or advice
act on: carry further or advance
act superior: act like the master of
act up: misbehave badly; act in a silly or improper way
act upon: have and exert influence or effect
act: perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
act: have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
action: institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
address: greet, as with a prescribed form, title, or name
adjourn: break from a meeting or gathering
adjudicate: put on trial or hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of
administer: direct the taking of
administer: work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of
admit: allow to enter; grant entry to
admit: allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of
adopt: take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
adorn: furnish with power or authority; of kings or emperors
advance: contribute to the progress or growth of
advance: give a promotion to or assign to a higher position
advantage: give an advantage to
adventure: take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
adventure: put at risk
affiliate: join in an affiliation
affiliate: keep company with; hang out with
affranchise: grant freedom to; as from slavery or servitude
aggrieve: infringe on the rights of
agitate: exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for
agitate: try to stir up public opinion
aid: give help or assistance; be of service
allow: allow the other (baseball) team to score
allow: make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
ally: become an ally or associate, as by a treaty or marriage
ally with: unite formally; of interest groups or countries
alternate: exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions
amerce: punish by a fine imposed arbitrarily by the discretion of the court
amerce: punish with an arbitrary penalty
amuse: occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
annul: declare invalid
antagonise: act in opposition to
anticipate: act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
appeal: take a court case to a higher court for review
appeal: challenge (a decision)
appear: present oneself formally, as before a (judicial) authority
apply: apply oneself to
apply: ensure observance of laws and rules
apply: avail oneself to
appoint: assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to
appoint: create and charge with a task or function
approach: begin to deal with
arise: take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
arraign: call before a court to answer an indictment
arrive: succeed in a big way; get to the top
ascend: become king or queen
ask over: invite someone to one's house
ask: make a date
assassinate: murder; especially of socially prominent persons
assault: force (someone) to have sex against their will
assay: make an effort or attempt
assemble: collect in one place
assemble: get people together
assert oneself: put oneself forward in an assertive and insistent manner
assert: insist on having one's opinions and rights recognized
assign: give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person)
assist: act as an assistant in a subordinate or supportive function
assist: work for or be a servant to
associate: bring or come into association or action
attach: create social or emotional ties
attaint: bring shame or dishonor upon
attend: take charge of or deal with
attitudinise: assume certain affected attitudes
authorise: give or delegate power or authority to
avail: be of use to, be useful to
average: achieve or reach on average
avert: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
avoid: refrain from doing something
baby: treat with excessive indulgence
babysit: take watchful responsibility for
babysit: work or act as a baby-sitter
back down: remove oneself from an obligation
back up: give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to
back: be behind; approve of
back: give support or one's approval to
backdate: make effective from an earlier date
backfire: come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
backslap: display excessive cordiality (towards)
baffle: hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
bail: release after a security has been paid
bail out: free on bail
bait: lure, entice, or entrap with bait
balk: refuse to comply
Balkanize: divide a territory into small, hostile states
ball up: make a mess of, destroy or ruin
ballot: vote by ballot
ban: ban from a place of residence, as for punishment
ban: expel from a community or group
ban: forbid the public distribution of ( a movie or a newspaper)
band oneself: attach oneself to a group
band together: form a group or unite
banish: expel, as if by official decree
bar mitzvah: confirm in the bar mitzvah ceremony, of boys in the Jewish faith
baronetise: confer baronetcy upon
bastardise: change something so that its value declines; for example, art forms
bat mitzvah: confirm in the bat mitzvah ceremony, of girls in the Jewish faith
bate: moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
be at pains: try very hard to do something
be: work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function
beat: avoid paying
beaver: work hard on something
becharm: control by magic spells, as by practicing witchcraft
befool: make a fool or dupe of
befriend: become friends with
begin: achieve or accomplish in the least degree, usually used in the negative
begin: begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object
beguile: influence by slyness
behave: behave well or properly
belabor: to work at or to absurd length
bell the cat: take a risk; perform a daring act
bench: take out of a game; of players
benefact: help as a benefactor
betray: be sexually unfaithful to one's partner in marriage
betray: deliver to an enemy by treachery
bilk: cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
bind over: order a defendant to be placed in custody pending the outcome of a proceedings against him or her
blackball: vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent
blackjack: exert pressure on someone through threats
blackleg: take the place of work of someone on strike
blacklist: put on a blacklist so as to banish or cause to be boycotted
blank: keep the opposing (baseball) team from winning
blindside: catch unawares, especially with harmful consequences
block: run on a block system
block: hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
block: stop from happening or developing
bludgeon: overcome or coerce as if by using a heavy club
blunder: commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake
bomb: fail to get a passing grade
book: record a charge in a police register
book: register in a hotel booker
book: arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
boondoggle: do useless, wasteful, or trivial work
boot out: remove from a position or office
bootstrap: help oneself, often through improvised means
bother: to cause inconvenience or discomfort to
bother: take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
bottle up: consciously restrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior
bottleneck: slow down or impede by creating an obstruction
bow out: retire gracefully
boycott: refuse to sponsor; refuse to do business with
brand: burn with a branding iron to indicate ownership; of animals
brand: to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
breach: act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
break: cause the failure or ruin of
break: happen or take place
break: invalidate by judicial action
break away: withdraw from an organization or communion
break one's back: work very hard, like a slave
break with: end a relationship
break: interrupt a continued activity
break: enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
break: discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
break: assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
breathalyse: test someone's alcohol level in his blood by means of a breathalyzer
brevet: promote somebody by brevet, in the military
bring down: cause the downfall of; of rulers
bring home the bacon: attain success or reach a desired goal
bring off: be successful; achieve a goal
bring oneself: cause to undertake a certain action, usually used in the negative
bring through: bring into safety
bring to bear: bring into operation or effect
bring up: promote from a lower position or rank
bring up: look after a child until it is an adult
brutalise: treat brutally
buck: to strive with determination
buck: resist
bugger: practice anal sex upon
build: order, supervise, or finance the construction of
bull: push or force
bullet vote: vote cumulatively and distribute the votes according to some principle
bump off: kill intentionally and with premeditation
bunco: deprive of by deceit
burglarise: commit a burglary; enter and rob a dwelling
burke: murder without leaving a trace on the body
burn: execute by tying to a stake and setting alight
bury: place in a grave or tomb
bust: search without warning, make a sudden surprise attack on
busy: keep busy with
buttonhole: detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
buy at: do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
cage: confine in a cage
call: make a stop in a harbour
call: call a meeting; invite or command to meet
call in: take a player out of a game in order to exchange for another player
call off: postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled
call the shots: exercise authority or be in charge
call to order: open formally
call: pay a brief visit
can: terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position
cancel: declare null and void; make ineffective
canton: divide into cantons, of a country
canvass: solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
canvass: get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
captain: be the captain of a sports team
care: be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
care: provide care for
carouse: engage in boisterous, drunken merrymaking
carpenter: work as a carpenter
carry: take further or advance
carry: extend to a certain degree
carry: compensate for a weaker partner or member by one's own performance
carry on: direct the course of; manage or control
carry: win approval or support for
carve up: separate into parts or portions
cashier: discard or do away with
cashier: discharge with dishonor, as in the army
cast: assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors
castigate: inflict severe punishment on
catch: check oneself during an action
catch it: receive punishment; be scolded or reprimanded
catch up with: make up work that was missed due to absence at a later point
caucus: meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
celebrate: have a celebration
celebrate: behave as expected during of holidays or rites
celebrate: assign great social importance to
certify: guarantee as meeting a certain standard
certify: authorize officially
chair: act or preside as chair, as of an academic department in a university
chance: be the case by chance
charter: grant a charter to
charter: hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
chase: pursue someone sexually or romantically
cheat: engage in deceitful behavior; practice trickery or fraud
cheat: deprive somebody of something by deceit
check: block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
check: make an examination or investigation
check out: trace
check: develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
check: lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
choke: fail to perform adequately due to tension or agitation
choke: check or slow down the action or effect of
choose up: form sides, as for a game
chum up: become friends; act friendly towards
circularise: canvass by distributing letters
circularize: canvass by using a questionnaire
civilise: teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment
clamor: compel someone to do something by insistent clamoring
classify: declare unavailable, as for security reasons
clean out: force out
clear: free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment
clear: go unchallenged; be approved
clerk: work as a clerk, as in the legal business
close: finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.)
close: engage at close quarters
close: cease to operate or cause to cease operating
club: gather and spend time together
club: unite with a common purpose
co-opt: neutralize or win over through assimilation into an established group
co-opt: choose or elect as a fellow member or colleague
co-opt: appoint summarily or commandeer
coact: act together, as of organisms
coeducate: educate persons of both sexes together
coerce: to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
collaborate: cooperate as a traitor
collaborate: work together on a common enterprise of project
collectivise: bring under collective control; of farms and industrial enterprises
colonise: settle as a colony; of countries in the developing world
color: modify or bias
combine: join for a common purpose or in a common action
come after: be the successor (of)
come before: be the predecessor of
come by: visit informally and spontaneously
come close: nearly do something
come near: almost do or experience something
come of age: reach a certain age that marks a transition to maturity
come to grips: deal with (a problem or a subject)
come to: attain
command: exercise authoritative control or power over
commission: charge with a task
commission: put into commission; equip for service; of ships
commission: place an order for
commit: perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
commit: engage in or perform
compass: bring about; accomplish
compel: force somebody to do something
compensate: make reparations or amends for
compere: act as a master of ceremonies
complete: complete or carry out
condemn: compel or force into a particular state or activity
condescend: behave in a patronizing and condescending manner
condescend: do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
condescend: debase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way
condition: establish a conditioned response
conduce: be conducive to
confederate: form a confederation with; of nations
confine: deprive of freedom; take into confinement
confirm: administer the rite of confirmation to
confirm: support a person for a position
conflict: go against, as of rules and laws
conjoin: take in marriage
connect: establish a rapport or relationship
connect: establish communication with someone
connive: encourage or assent to illegally or criminally
connive at: give one's silent approval to
consecrate: appoint to a clerical posts
constrain: compel to behave in a certain way
contend: succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available
continue: allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature
contract out: assign a job to someone outside one's own business
contract: engage by written agreement
control: place under restrictions; limit access to by law
control: check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
cook: tamper, with the purpose of deception
coordinate: bring into common action, movement, or condition
coordinate: be co-ordinated
corner: gain control over
coronate: invest with regal power; enthrone
correct: punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience
corrupt: corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
cosign: sign jointly
counteract: oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
counteract: oppose or check by a counteraction
counteract: destroy property or hinder normal operations
countercheck: check a second time
couple: form a pair or pairs
court: engage in social activities leading to marriage
court: make amorous advances towards
court: seek someone's favor
court-martial: subject to trial by court-martial
covenant: enter into a covenant
cover: invest with a large or excessive amount of something
cover: to take an action to protect against future problems
cover: help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
cox: act as the coxswain, in a boat race
cozen: act with artful deceit
cozen: be false to; be dishonest with
crack: gain unauthorized access computers with malicious intentions
cradle: bring up from infancy
create: invest with a new title, office, or rank
crib: use a crib, as in an exam
criminalise: declare illegal; outlaw
criminalize: treat as a criminal
cross-file: have one's name listed as a candidate for several parties
cross-index: make an index that refers from one point to the next
crucify: kill by nailing onto a cross
crush: come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
culminate: reach the highest or most decisive point
cut: discharge from a group
cut: be able to manage or manage successfully
dabble: play in or as if in water, as of small children
dabble: work with in an amateurish manner
dally: behave carelessly or indifferently
dare: to be courageous enough to try or do something
dare: take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
dash: destroy or break
date: go on a date with
date: date regularly; have a steady relationship with
daydream: have dreamlike musings or fantasies while awake
deal: take action with respect to (someone or something)
deal: behave in a certain way towards others
debar: bar temporarily; from school, office, etc.
decertify: cause to be no longer approved or accepted
declare: authorize payments of
declassify: lift the restriction on and make available again
decolonise: grant independence to (a former colony)
decontrol: relax or remove controls of
decorate: award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
decoy: lure or entrap with or as if with a decoy
decriminalise: make legal
dedicate: open to public use, as of a highway, park, or building
defeat: thwart the passage of
defect: desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army
defend: be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
defibrillate: stop the fibrillation and restore normal contractions, usually by means of electric shocks
defrock: divest of the frock; of church officials
delegate: transfer power to someone
deliver: hand over to the authorities of another country
deliver: save from sins
deliver: free from harm or evil
democratise: introduce democratic reforms; of nations
democratise: become (more) democratic; of nations
demonstrate: march in protest; take part in a demonstration
depart: remove oneself from an association with or participation in
deport: expel from a country
depose: force to leave (an office)
depute: appoint as a substitute
deputise: act as a substitute
deracinate: move (people) forcibly from their homeland into a new and foreign environment
deregulate: lift the regulations on
derestrict: make free from restrictions
desecrate: violate the sacred character of a place or language
desegregate: open (a place) to members of all races and ethnic groups
dethrone: remove a monarch from the throne
devolve: pass on or delegate to another
dictate: rule as a dictator
dig: work hard
dignify: confer dignity or honor upon
direct: be in charge of
disadvantage: put at a disadvantage; hinder, harm
disassociate: part; cease or break association with
disbar: remove from the bar; expel from the practice of law by official action
discharge: free from obligations or duties
discriminate: treat differently on the basis of sex or race
disenfranchise: deprive of voting rights
disinter: dig up for reburial or for medical investigation; of dead bodies
disinvest: deprive of status or authority
dismiss: stop associating with
disobey: refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient
disorganise: remove the organization from
dispatch: dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
dispense: grant a dispensation; grant an exemption
dispense with: do without or cease to hold or adhere to
displace: take the place of or have precedence over
display: attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals
dispose of: deal with or settle
disrespect: show a lack of respect for
dissent: express opposition through action or words
distress: bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
distribute: make available
district: regulate housing in; of certain areas of towns
divorce: get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage
do by: interact in a certain way
do one's best: perform a task as well as possible
do the honors: act as the host and receive or introduce one's guests
do well by: treat with respect and consideration
do work: be employed
do: carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions
do: engage in
do: carry on or function
do: get (something) done
domiciliate: provide housing for
dominate: have dominance or the power to defeat over
double cross: betray by double-dealing
double-date: go out on a date with a partner and another couple
downsize: dismiss from work
dragoon: subjugate by imposing troops
dragoon: compel by coercion, threats, or crude means
draw rein: control and direct with or as if by reins
draw up: form or arrange in order or formation, as of a body of soldiers
draw: pull (a person) apart with four horses tied to his extremities, so as to execute him
drive: work as a driver
drive: to compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly
drive around: drive without any particular aim
drive: strive and make an effort to reach a goal
drop: terminate an association with
drop out: leave school or an educational program prematurely
drop out: withdraw from established society, especially because of disillusion with conventional values
dub: raise (someone) to knighthood
dwarf: check the growth of
educate: give an education to
effect: act so as to bring into existence
egotrip: act in a way that attracts attention
elect: select by a vote for an office or membership
electioneer: work actively for a political candidate or a party
electrocute: kill by electric shock
electrocute: kill by electrocution, as in the electric chair
emancipate: give equal rights to; of women and minorities
emancipate: free from slavery or servitude
embargo: ban the publication of (documents), as for security or copyright reasons
embargo: prevent commerce
embark: proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
empanel: enter into a list of prospective jurors
employ: engage or hire for work
empower: give qualities or abilities to
enact: order by virtue of superior authority; decree
encroach: impinge or infringe upon
endeavor: attempt by employing effort
enfranchise: grant voting rights
engage: ask to represent; of legal counsel
engage: carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
engage: carry on (wars, battles, or campaigns)
ennoble: give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility
enrol: register formally as a participant or member
enslave: make a slave of; bring into servitude
ensnare: take or catch as if in a snare or trap
entertain: provide entertainment for
enthrone: provide with power and authority
enthrone: put a monarch on the throne
entitle: give the right to
escape: remove oneself from a familiar environment, usually for pleasure or diversion
essay: put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
establish: set up or found
estrange: remove from customary environment or associations
evade: practice evasion
exaggerate: do something to an excessive degree
exchange: hand over one and receive another, approximately equivalent
exclude: prevent from entering; shut out
excommunicate: oust or exclude from a group or membership by decree
execute: murder in a planned fashion
execute: carry out the legalities of
execute: kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
execute: carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine
exempt: grant relief or an exemption from a rule or requirement to
exert: make a great effort at a mental or physical task
expedite: process fast and efficiently
expedite: speed up the progress of; facilitate
expel: force to leave or move out
experiment: to conduct a test or investigation
experiment: try something new, as in order to gain experience
exploit: work excessively hard
extemporize: manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand
fag: act as a servant for older boys, in British public schools
fail: be unable
fail: fall short in what is expected
fail: judge unacceptable
fail: be unsuccessful
fail: fail to do something; leave something undone
fall: suffer defeat, failure, or ruin
fall: yield to temptation or sin
fall: lose one's chastity
fall: lose office or power
fall all over: display excessive love or show excessive gratitude towards
fall back: have recourse to
fall flat: fail utterly; collapse
fall for: be deceived, duped, or entrapped by
fall from grace: revert back to bad behavior after a period of good behavior
fall in: to take one's place in a military formation or line
fall in: become part of; become a member of a group or organization
farm: be a farmer; work as a farmer
farm out: arranged for contracted work to be done by others
favor: treat gently or carefully
favor: promote over another
favor: bestow a privilege upon
feed: support or promote
fend: try to manage without help
fiddle: avoid (one's assigned duties)
field-test: test something under the conditions under which it will actually be used
fight: make a strenuous or labored effort
filibuster: obstruct deliberately by delaying
fill: appoint someone to (a position or a job)
fill: assume, as of positions or roles
finagle: achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
financier: conduct financial operations
fine: issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty
fix: influence an event or its outcome by illegal means
fixate: attach (oneself) to a person or thing in a neurotic way
fledge: feed, care for, and rear young birds for flight
flight: shoot a bird in flight
flim-flam: deceive somebody
float: circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with
flounder: behave awkwardly; have difficulties
follow: adhere to or practice
follow: accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of
follow: follow with the eyes or the mind
fool around: commit adultery
footle: act foolishly, as by talking nonsense
forbid: keep from happening or arising; make impossible
forgive: absolve from payment
form: establish or impress firmly in the mind
form: create (as an entity)
formalise: make formal or official
formalise: declare or make legally valid
foster: bring up under fosterage; of children
foster: promote the growth of
franchise: grant a franchise to
fraternise: be on friendly terms with someone, as if with a brother, especially with an enemy
free: grant freedom to; free from confinement
free: make (information) available for publication
freelance: work independently and on temporary contracts rather than for a long-term employer
frivol: act frivolously
furlough: dismiss, usually for economic reasons
fuss: care for like a mother
gang-rape: rape (someone) successively with several attackers
gaol: lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
gerrymander: divide unfairly and to one's advantage; of voting districts
get along: have smooth relations
get around to: do something despite obstacles such as lack of time
get around: be a social swinger; socialize a lot
get at: influence by corruption
get it: receive punishment
get off: be relieved of one's duties temporarily
get together: get together socially or for a specific purpose
gibbet: hang on an execution instrument
gibbet: expose to ridicule or public scorn
gip: (sometimes offensive) to cheat or swindle
give: execute and deliver
give: emit or utter
give it a try: try
give it a try: make an attempt at something
give up: leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily
gloss over: treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly
go along: cooperate or pretend to cooperate
go for broke: risk everything in one big effort
go off at half-cock: act prematurely or without reflection or too soon
go: follow a procedure or take a course
govern: direct or strongly influence the behavior of
govern: bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations
govern: exercise authority over; as of nations
grind down: rule a country as a tyrant
groom: educate for a future role or function
grope: search blindly or uncertainly
grow up: become an adult
guard: take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
guard: to keep watch over
guide: be a guiding or motivating force or drive
halter: hang with a halter
handle with kid gloves: handle with great care and sensitivity
hang: prevent from reaching a verdict, of a jury
hang out: spend time in a certain location or with certain people
hang: kill by hanging
happen: chance to be or do something, without intention or causation
have: have a personal or business relationship with someone
haze: harass by imposing humiliating or painful tasks, as in military institutions
head: be in charge of
hear: examine or hear (evidence or a case) by judicial process
heed: pay close attention to; give heed to
help: contribute to the furtherance of
help out: be of help, as in a particular situation of need
hibernate: be in an inactive or dormant state
hinder: be a hindrance or obstacle to
hit the jackpot: succeed by luck
hive off: remove from a group and make separate
hoax: subject to a playful hoax or joke
hobble: hamper the action or progress of
hobnob: rub elbows with
hold: keep from departing
hold: take and maintain control over, often by violent means
hold one's own: maintain one's position and be in control of a situation
hold sway: be master; reign or rule
home: provide with, or send to, a home
home-school: educate (one's children) at home instead of sending (them) to a school
honor: bestow honor or rewards upon
hugger mugger: act stealthily or secretively
humbug: trick or deceive
idle: be idle; exist in a changeless situation
implement: apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design
imprison: confine as if in a prison
inaugurate: open ceremoniously or dedicate formally
inaugurate: commence officially
incorporate: form a corporation
index: list in an index
indict: accuse formally of a crime
induct: admit as a member
induct: accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
induct: place ceremoniously or formally in an office or position
indulge: give free rein to
infect: corrupt with ideas or an ideology
infiltrate: enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members
inhibit: limit, block, or decrease the action or function of
inmarry: marry within one's own tribe or group
instal: put into an office or a position
interact: act together or towards others or with others
interfere: come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle
interfere: get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force
interlope: encroach on the rights of others, as in trading without a proper license
intermarry: marry within the same ethnic, social, or family group
intern: deprive of freedom
intern: work as an intern
internationalise: put under international control
intrude: enter unlawfully on someone's property
invalid: force to retire, remove from active duty, as of firemen
inventory: make or include in an itemized record or report
invigilate: watch over (students taking an exam, to prevent cheating)
invite: have as a guest
issue: circulate or distribute or equip with
job: work occasionally
job: profit privately from public office and official business
join: come into the company of
jollify: celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
jubilate: celebrate a jubilee
juggle: manipulate by or as if by moving around components
juggle: deal with simultaneously
keep away: prevent from coming close
keep down: put down by force or intimidation
keep guard: watch over so as to protect
keep in: cause to stay indoors
keep one's nose to the grindstone: work doggedly or persistently
keep tabs on: keep a record on or watch attentively
keep to oneself: shun the company of others
keep: conform one's action or practice to
keep: stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state
kennel: put up in a kennel
kick around: treat badly; abuse
lay on the line: expose to a chance of loss or damage
lead astray: teach immoral behavior to
lease: let for money
leave office: give up or retire from a position
legislate: make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation
let it go: not act
liberalise: make liberal or more liberal, of laws and rules
liberalise: become more liberal
liberate: grant freedom to
lie dormant: be inactive, as if asleep
list: include in a list
litigate: engage in legal proceedings
localise: restrict something to a particular area
lock out: prevent employees from working during a strike
logroll: work toward the passage of some legislation by exchanging political favors such as trading votes
loosen up: become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner
loosen: become less severe or strict
loosen: make less severe or strict
lord: make a lord of someone
lot: divide into lots, as of land, for example
luck it: act by relying on one's luck
lynch: kill without legal sanction
make: form by assembling individuals or constituents
make: carry out or commit
make a point: make a point of doing something; act purposefully and intentionally
make good: act as promised
make it: go successfully through a test or a selection process
make: charge with a function; charge to be
malinger: avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill
man: take charge of a certain job; occupy a certain work place
manage: watch and direct
mandate: assign under a mandate
maneuver: act in order to achieve a certain goal
manipulate: influence or control shrewdly or deviously
marginalise: relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of specific groups of people
marry: perform a marriage ceremony
matriculate: enroll as a student
meddle: intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
meet: get to know; get acquainted with
mesh: work together in harmony
militate: have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
mind: be in charge of or deal with
mingle: get involved or mixed-up with
minister: attend to the wants and needs of others
minister: work as a minister
misally: make a bad alliance; ally inappropriately
misbehave: behave badly
misconduct: manage badly or incompetently
misdo: do wrongly or improperly
misgovern: govern badly
mismarry: marry an unsuitable partner
molest: harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to
monetise: give legal value to or establish as the legal tender of a country
monopolise: have and control fully and exclusively
moon: be idle in a listless or dreamy way
moonlight: work a second job, usually after hours
move: live one's life in a specified environment
move in on: seize control of
move out: cause to leave
muff: fail to catch, as of a ball
mutiny: engage in a mutiny against an authority
nail: succeed in obtaining a position
neutralize: make politically neutral and thus inoffensive
nominate: put forward; nominate for appointment to an office or for an honor or position
nurse: treat carefully
nurse: serve as a nurse; care for sick or handicapped people
obey: be obedient to
offer: mount or put up
offer: agree freely
officiate: act in an official capacity in a ceremony or religious ritual, such as a wedding
open: begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.
open: start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning
operate: direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
oppose: act against or in opposition to
oppress: cause to suffer
ordain: invest with ministerial or priestly authority
organise: cause to be structured or ordered or operating according to some principle or idea
organise: form or join a union
ostracise: avoid speaking to or dealing with
oust: remove and replace
outvote: defeat by a majority of votes
overachieve: perform better or achieve a greater degree of success than expected
overcompensate: make excessive corrections for fear of making an error
overdrive: drive or work too hard
overexert: exert (oneself) excessively and go beyond one's strength
overleap: defeat (oneself) by going too far
overreach: fail by aiming too high or trying too hard
override: counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)
oversimplify: simplify to an excessive degree
pack: set up a committee or legislative body with one's own supporters so as to influence the outcome
page: work as a page
pan out: be a success
paragraph: divide into paragraphs, as of text
parcel: divide into parts
parole: release a criminal from detention and place him on parole
partake in: be active in
participate: share in something
partner: act as a partner
party: have or participate in a party
pass: accept or judge as acceptable
pass: allow to go without comment or censure
pass on: refer to another person for decision or judgment
patent: grant rights to; grant a patent for
patrol: maintain the security of by carrying out a patrol
pay: render
penalise: impose a penalty on; inflict punishment on
pension off: let go from employment with an attractive pension
perform: perform a function
philander: have amorous affairs; of men
pick off: shoot one by one
pick up: meet someone for sexual purposes
picket: serve as pickets or post pickets
pillory: punish by putting in a pillory
pin down: place in a confining or embarrassing position
pip: kill by firing a missile
place: place somebody in a particular situation or location
place: assign to (a job or a home)
play: behave in a certain way
play: act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
play: be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
play it by ear: decide on one's actions as one goes along, depending on the situation
play: engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
ply: apply oneself diligently
poison: spoil as if by poison
politick: engage in political activities
poll: vote in an election at a polling station
poll: get the votes of
pontificate: administer a pontifical office
pose: behave affectedly or unnaturally in order to impress others
post: enter on a public list
post: assign to a post; put into a post
potter: work lightly
prefer: give preference to one creditor over another
prejudice: disadvantage by prejudice
preside: act as president
probate: establish the legal validity of (wills and other documents)
process: deal with in a routine way
prorogue: adjourn by royal prerogative; without dissolving the legislative body
prosecute: bring a criminal action against (in a trial)
prosecute: conduct a prosecution in a court of law
prostitute: sell one's body; exchange sex for money
puff up: become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger
pull off: cause to withdraw
pull one's weight: do one's share in a common task
pull the plug: prevent from happening or continuing
purge: oust politically
put to work: cause to work
queen: promote to a queen, as of a pawn in chess
quench: electronics: suppress (sparking) when the current is cut off in an inductive circuit, or suppress (an oscillation or discharge) in a component or device
race: to work as fast as possible towards a goal, sometimes in competition with others
rack: put on a rack and pinion
racketeer: carry on illegal business activities involving crime
rain out: prevent or interrupt due to rain
rampage: act violently, recklessly, or destructively
ranch: manage or run a ranch
rat: employ scabs or strike breakers in
rat: desert one's party or group of friends, for example, for one's personal advantage
ratify: approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
rave: participate in an all-night techno dance party
readmit: admit anew
readmit: admit again or anew
reassign: transfer somebody to a different position or location of work
rebel: break with established customs
rebury: bury again
recall: make unavailable; bar from sale or distribution
receive: have or give a reception
reciprocate: act, feel, or give mutually or in return
recognise: show approval or appreciation of
recommit: commit once again, as of a crime
reconstruct: return to its original or usable and functioning condition
redeem: restore the honor or worth of
redline: discriminate in selling or renting housing in certain areas of a neighborhood
reduce: bring to humbler or weaker state or condition
reelect: elect again
reenact: enact again
reestablish: bring back into original existence, use, function, or position
refuse: refuse entrance or membership
regiment: assign to a regiment
regiment: form (military personnel) into a regiment
regiment: subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization
register: record in writing; enter into a book of names or events or transactions
register: enroll to vote
regroup: organize anew, as after a setback
rehabilitate: restore to a state of good condition or operation
rehabilitate: help to readapt, as to a former state of health or good repute
rehabilitate: reinstall politically
rehear: hear or try a court case anew
rehouse: put up in a new or different housing
reign: have sovereign power
reinstate: restore to the previous state or rank
reissue: issue (a new version of)
rejoin: join again
relate: have or establish a relationship to
relieve: save from ruin, destruction, or harm
relieve: free someone temporarily from his or her obligations
remarry: marry, not for the first time
remember oneself: recover one's good manners after a lapse or stop behaving badly
remove: remove from a position or an office
rename: name again or anew
rendezvous: meet at a rendezvous
reorganise: organize anew
repatriate: admit back into the country
repatriate: send someone back to his homeland against his will, as of refugees
repeat: do over
replace: take the place or move into the position of
represent: be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute
represent: be representative or typical for
repress: impede or hinder the natural development or self-expression of
reprieve: relieve temporarily
resile: pull out from an agreement, contract, statement, etc.
rest: be inactive, refrain from acting
restrain: prevent (someone or something) from doing something
restrict: prevent (information) from being circulated or disclosed
resume: assume anew
reticulate: distribute by a network, as of water or electricity
retire: withdraw from circulation or from the market, as of bills, shares, and bonds
retire: go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
retire: make (someone) retire
retire: withdraw from active participation
retool: revise or reorganize, especially for the purpose of updating and improving
reunify: unify again, as of a country
reunite: have a reunion; unite again
revolt: make revolution
revolutionize: overthrow by a revolution, of governments
ride roughshod: treat inconsiderately or harshly
ride the bench: be out of the game
rig: arrange the outcome of by means of deceit
riot: take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot
root: cheer for
rotate: exchange on a regular basis
rough-house: treat in a rough or boisterous manner
rub along: manage one's existence barely
rubricate: place in the church calendar as a red-letter day honoring a saint
ruin: destroy or cause to fail
rumpus: cause a disturbance
run: make without a miss
run: set animals loose to graze
rusticate: send to the country
rusticate: suspend temporarily from college or university, in England
sanction: give authority or permission to
sandbag: treat harshly or unfairly
satisfice: decide on and pursue a course of action satisfying the minimum requirements to achieve a goal
sauce: behave saucily or impudently towards
save: refrain from harming
scant: limit in quality or quantity
scant: work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
school: educate in or as if in a school
scourge: punish severely; excoriate
screen: examine in order to test suitability
screen: test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
scrimshank: British military language: avoid work
second: transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment
sectionalise: divide into sections, especially into geographic sections
see: go to see for professional or business reasons
see: go to see for a social visit
see: go to see a place, as for entertainment
segregate: separate by race or religion; practice a policy of racial segregation
send in: give one's name or calling card to a servant when making a formal visit
serve: devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
serve: do military service
serve: be used by; as of a utility
set aside: annul (a legal decision)
set back: slow down the progress of; hinder
shamanise: practice shamanism
shame: compel through a sense of shame
shark: play the shark; act with trickery
shepherd: tend as a shepherd, as of sheep or goats
shepherd: watch over like a shepherd, as a teacher of her pupils
shill: act as a shill
ship: hire for work on a ship
shipwreck: ruin utterly
shipwreck: suffer failure, as in some enterprise
short: cheat someone by not returning him enough money
short-circuit: hamper the progress of; impede
sideline: remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position
sin: commit a sin; violate a law of God or a moral law
sit back: be inactive or indifferent while something is happening
sit in: participate in an act of civil disobedience
skipper: work as the skipper on a vessel
slack: avoid responsibilities and work, be idle
slam-dunk: make a forceful move against
slate: enter on a list or slate for an election
sliver: divide into slivers or splinters
slum: spend time at a lower socio-economic level than one's own, motivated by curiosity or desire for adventure; usage considered condescending and insensitive
sneak: put, bring, or take in a secretive or furtive manner
snooker: fool or dupe
socialise: train for a social environment
socialise: take part in social activities; interact with others
sodomise: copulate with an animal
solemnise: observe or perform with dignity or gravity
solemnise: perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies
sophisticate: make less natural or innocent
sovietise: bring under Soviet control, of a country
spare: save or relieve from an experience or action
speak for: be a spokesperson for
spearhead: be the leader of
specialise: devote oneself to a special area of work
spell: relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
spike: stand in the way of
spot promote: promote on the spot
spur: incite or stimulate
squeeze for: squeeze someone for money, information, etc.
squeeze out: force out
stable: shelter in a stable
stag: attend a dance or a party without a female companion
stall: put into, or keep in, a stall
stampede: act, usually en masse, hurriedly or on an impulse
stampede: cause a group or mass of people to act on an impulse or hurriedly and impulsively
start: begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
stay: stop a judicial process
stay together: be loyal to one another, especially in times of trouble
steamroll: bring to a specified state by overwhelming force or pressure
steamroll: proceed with great force
step: cause (a computer) to execute a single command
stet: printing: cancel, as of a correction or deletion
stoke: stir up or tend; of a fire
stratify: divide society into social classes or castes
stratify: develop different social levels, classes, or castes
streetwalk: walk the streets in search of customers
strike out: be unsuccessful in an endeavor
strike: stop work in order to press demands
strong-arm: handle roughly
stunt: check the growth or development of
subcontract: work under a subcontract; engage in a subcontract
subject: make subservient; force to submit or subdue
suborn: incite to commit a crime or an evil deed
subserve: be helpful or useful
succor: help in a difficult situation
summate: form or constitute a cumulative effect
superannuate: retire and pension (someone) because of age or physical inability
surprise: come upon or take unawares
sweep under the rug: to conceal something in the hopes it won't be discovered by others
swing: influence decisively
syndicate: organize into or form a syndicate
syndicate: join together into a syndicate
taboo: declare as sacred and forbidden
tackle: accept as a challenge
take: carry out
take: develop a habit
take advantage: make excessive use of
take back: resume a relationship with someone after an interruption, as in a wife taking back her husband
take care: be careful, prudent, or watchful
take charge: assume control
take in: visit for entertainment
take in charge: accept as a charge
take off: take time off from work; stop working temporarily
take office: assume an office, duty, or title
take orders: be ordained; enter the Christian ministry
take orders: receive and be expected to follow directions or commands
take stage: attract attention onto oneself
take time by the forelock: act quickly and decisively; not let slip an opportunity
take to: develop a habit; apply oneself to a practice or occupation
take up: turn one's interest to
task: assign a task to
tenant: occupy as a tenant
tend: manage or run
tend: have care of or look after
tenure: give life-time employment to
territorialise: organize as a territory
terrorise: coerce by violence or with threats
thermostat: control the temperature with a thermostat
throne: sit on the throne as a ruler
tinker: work as a tinker or tinkerer
toe the line: do what is expected
tolerate: recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others)
top out: give up one's career just as one becomes very successful
touch: deal with; usually used with a form of negation
train: cause to grow in a certain way by tying and pruning it
trellis: train on a trellis, as of a vine
trespass: break the law
triangulate: divide into triangles or give a triangular form to
trust: allow without fear
turn: accomplish by rotating
turn a trick: have a customer, of a prostitute
turn out: come and gather for a public event
turn thumbs down: vote against
turn up the heat: apply great or increased pressure
tutor: act as a guardian to someone
two-time: carry on a romantic relationship with two people at the same time
underachieve: perform less well or with less success than expected
undergird: lend moral support to
undo: cause the ruin or downfall of
unify: bring together for a common purpose or action or ideology or in a shared situation
unify: act in concert or unite in a common purpose or belief
unionise: recruit for a union or organize into a union
unitise: divide (bulk material) and process as units
unseat: remove from political office
upstage: treat snobbishly, put in one's place
use: seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
use: habitually do something or be in a certan state or place (use only in the past tense)
usurp: take the place of
valet: serve as a personal attendant to
vet: work as a veterinarian
victimise: punish unjustly
victimise: make a victim of
volunteer: do volunteer work
vote: bring into existence or make available by vote
vote: express a choice or opinion
vote: express one's choice or preference by vote
vote: express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote
vote: be guided by in voting
vote in: elect in a voting process
wait: serve as a waiter or waitress in a restaurant
walk: be or act in association with
walk: live or behave in a specified manner
walk around: behave in a certain manner or have certain properties
walk around: walk randomly
warm up: run until the normal working temperature is reached
welch: cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
whip through: go through very fast
whipsaw: victimize, especially in gambling or negotiations
whore: work as a prostitute
winkle out: force from a place or position
wive: marry a woman, take a wife
wive: take (someone) as a wife
work: operate in a certain place, area, or specialty
work: exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
work: proceed towards a goal or along a path or through an activity
work: cause to operate or function
work: operate in or through
work at: to exert effort in order to do, make, or perform something
write in: cast a vote by inserting a name that does not appear on the ballot
write off: cancel (a debt)
wrong: treat unjustly; do wrong to